There are an unbelievable variety of diets you might try – and you wouldn’t be alone in doing so. The average American tries a new diet once or twice a year over the course of a lifetime. But, what’s truly remarkable, is that nearly all of these efforts fail.
So, whether you’re considering keto, raw foods, intermittent fasting, Whole30, WW (fka Weight Watchers), cabbage soup, clean eating, Mediterranean, paleo, macrobiotic, Atkins, 80/20, or the Zone, it’s important to remember that any type of weight-loss meal planning needs to have sticking power. Some of these diets have merits. Others can lead to nutritional deficiencies and may even harm your health. Most are hard to maintain.
Ideally, you’d want to work with a nutritional expert, such as a dietitian, to create a customized meal plan you can live with in the long run. In the meantime, here are some facts to counter some of the most popular diet myths today – and what you might consider instead.
MYTH #1: All carbs are bad.
Not true. Your body needs carbohydrates to work the way it should – it’s your main source of fuel. That said, some carbs are better for you than others. Also, consuming carbs in moderation appears to be far healthier than low-carb dieting.
MYTH #2: Skipping meals makes up for overindulging.
It may seem like a quick fix, all right. But regularly skipping meals can cause bodily systems and blood sugar levels to seesaw – and can be counterproductive to long-term weight management. Your resting metabolism will slow, causing you to burn fewer calories and actually gain weight once you resume regular eating.
MYTH #3: Juice cleanses flush toxins from the body.
Drinking your meals – even if it’s fruit or vegetable juice – makes it easy to consume way more calories than you could’ve eaten. You’ll also miss out on necessary nutrients, as well as the fiber found in whole fruits and veggies (without which you’ll be left feeling hungry). Finally, there is no reliable evidence that juice cleanses provide any detox benefits at all.
MYTH #4: Calorie counting is key.
No again. Paying attention to calorie counts is important – but not all calories are created equal. So, as you’re counting calories, make sure you’re choosing foods that provide proper nutrition and leave you feeling full and satisfied. Otherwise, you’ll be more likely to overeat and gain weight in the long term.
Myth #5: I just need to find the perfect diet.
There’s no such thing. The best way to eat will be different for every person. Your body responds to food in a way that’s unique to you, based on things like genetics, metabolism, and more – even the balance of bacteria in your gut.
Forget fad diets! Get customized meal planning that will work for you by calling registered dietitian Jamie Schlifstein at (561) 558-7786. She sees clients at her office in Boca Raton, Florida.